Former residents sue southern Illinois housing authority

CAIRO, Ill. (AP) - Seven former residents have filed a lawsuit against the Alexander County Housing Authority in southern Illinois alleging discrimination based on race and family status and rent overcharges.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinois reports (http://bit.ly/1sdlLPJ ) the lawsuit filed in East St. Louis federal court names the housing authority as a defendant along with four past executive directors. The residents are seeking class-action status. The lawsuit claims the authority has engaged in "a pattern and practice of segregation" and overcharged plaintiffs up to $200.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development took over the housing authority in February citing years of mismanagement and poor living conditions. A HUD review found roaches, mold and electric and plumbing problems in housing authority units.

A HUD spokeswoman said the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation.

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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com